Hey Tom, I know we weren’t close friends, we were too different.
You were the Italian kid from New Jersey, I was the Puerto Rican kid from NYC. You were Country, I was hip hop and rap. You were motorcycles, I was cars. You were a crew chief, I was a Mech, You were upfront and outgoing, I kept to myself and watched from a distance. The one thing we do have in common, and supersedes all differences, was our brotherhood.
You were one of the first marines I met after boot camp. No attitude, didn’t talk down to me, just respectful and welcoming. I will always remember that.
Then we ended up in the same squadron. Same. Never disrespectful. Never demeaning, treated me with respect and dignity. Not sure I deserved it, but you did it anyway.
Tom = courage. He was the first person I ever saw do karaoke. I front of a large crowd too. He didn’t care. It was country and I can’t remember if he was any good, but still, no way I would have had the courage to do that.
At least sober.
Tom, I always had the upmost respect for you. I was hoping we could get together again. Reminiscing of old times.
You will be missed,
RIP my brother.
Semper Fi
Gone to soon
Grrrr Tiger
Zeek…out.